ASUP Mobilizes Lecturers As Strike Deadline Approaches

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has begun mobilizing its members for a potential strike as the 15-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government approaches its October 23 expiration date.

ASUP had previously warned it would embark on industrial action if the government failed to address ongoing issues related to the new scheme of service for polytechnic lecturers. As the deadline nears, more lecturers have backed the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) decision to withdraw services if their demands remain unmet.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, ASUP Zone D Coordinator, Dr. Iloma Richard, confirmed that the government has not resolved the contentious issues surrounding the new guidelines. He explained that the union had initially suspended a planned strike on July 22 after the Federal Government intervened, directing the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to review the disputed guidelines.

“The strike was suspended to allow for a conducive environment to resolve these issues through engagement with stakeholders,” Richard said. “Regrettably, no progress has been made, largely due to the NBTE’s reluctance.”

Richard expressed disappointment at the government’s lack of attention to the welfare needs of ASUP members, emphasizing the potential negative impact on the quality of polytechnic education. He warned that technical and vocational education in Nigeria could collapse if these concerns are not addressed.

In Zone D, which covers the South-South and South-East regions, lecturers are prepared to withdraw their services once ASUP’s NEC gives the directive. “This position has been communicated to the relevant authorities, with the 15-day ultimatum starting from October 8. We will not hesitate to mobilize our members if NEC calls for industrial action after the deadline,” Richard added.

Key issues include the delay in implementing the validated Condition of Service for polytechnics, inconsistencies in the Federal Polytechnic Act, and concerns over the appointment of principal officers in state-owned institutions. Additionally, ASUP is demanding the implementation of salary reviews for polytechnic staff, the release of arrears for federal polytechnics, and the disbursement of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment intervention fund. The union is also pushing for the inclusion of members’ peculiar academic allowance in the budget.

With the deadline fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether the government will take the necessary steps to prevent a nationwide strike by polytechnic lecturers.